JALANDHAR: The NSS unit of Innocent Hearts College of Education, Jalandhar started celebrations of Gandhi Jayanti with the aim of promoting Gandhian Philosophy on Vocational Education, Nai Talim and Experiential Learning (VENTEL) amongst the would-be teachers.
All the student-teachers actively practiced handicrafts like pottery making, embroidery, decorative painting, paper mache, glass work, fabric home decor, paper crafts, puppets and stone work. Mahatma Gandhiji had emphasized on handicraft training, “not merely for production work but for developing intellect of the pupils” - this was the central theme of the various activities.
A drama was also enacted by the student-teachers - Aashna, Harkirat Kaur, Hitu Sharda, Preeti, Purvi Kalra, Rishupreet Kaur and Vishali Arora which revealed that Nai Talim (New Education) focuses on nurturing multiple skills in a child. The last scene of the drama depicted how Experiential Learning makes each student intellectual and self-reliant, which in turn opens up new avenues for employment and overall development of an individual. Principal and all the staff members appreciated the performances of the student-teachers.
Principal Dr. Arjinder Singh stated that according to Gandhiji, True education is for a proper exercise and training of the bodily organs and mental faculties i.e. Gandhiji accentuated the craft-centered education. He further said that it is very much important for our would-be teachers to understand and imbibe the philosophy of education given by our Father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhiji.